Even if IKEA, the Container Store, or another retail outlet has the seemingly perfect total cable solution for your workspace, you might lose momentum or experience sticker shock in obtaining it. Reach into your supplies and try out a nearly free solution first.

Kevin Kelly's Cool Tools blog suggests a simple magnet and binder clip setup for running four cables along a desk. It's a snug but flexible fit, and for those who have the items and a bit of adhesive sitting around, it's a free trial. See what works for your desk, where your cables fit, and determine whether you like the idea of bundled cables before investing in a "tricked-out, fancy-pants Kickstarter-funded designer-esque iteration." Plus, as noted in the post, you can use the binder clip handles for storing notes. Binder clips—is there anything they can't do?